Gov. Murphy signs bill barring 'ghost guns' in NJ

<p>Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a measure barring the purchase of firearms parts used to make untraceable weapons, or so-called ghost guns.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 8, 2018, 11:05 PM

Updated 2,164 days ago

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Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a measure barring the purchase of firearms parts used to make untraceable weapons, or so-called ghost guns.
Murphy signed the new law Thursday in Trenton.
It's the latest gun-control measure enacted by the Democrat-led Legislature and governor since he took office in January. Murphy signed a half-dozen bills in June aimed at tightening already strict gun laws.
The new law bars the purchase of separate parts or kits that could be used to manufacture a firearm not traceable by law enforcement. Lawmakers say the measure will "arm our court system" with the ability to block criminals from using technology to make weapons.
“The NRA, to the surprise of no one, has mocked the effort to outlaw ghost guns,” Murphy said Thursday. “Well, let them explain why they would protect criminals who attempt to get around our laws by buying ghost gun kits and building untraceable guns.”
Murphy called for a new round of gun control measures in response to the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting last month. 
The governor also referenced the mass shooting at a night club in Thousand Oaks, California, that occurred just hours before he signed the measure.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.